The pilot project in the municipality of Xàbia for the environmental assessment of the seabed, and the promotion of conservation activities in these areas with high marine biodiversity in danger, has been completed.

The Oceanogràfic Foundation has completed the project “Approach to the knowledge, interpretation and conservation of the biodiversity of the seabed of Xàbia” which has had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition through its 2018 call for grants. The objective has been to carry out an environmental assessment of the coastal seabed of those coastal municipalities of the Valencian Community, endowed with a high marine biodiversity.

This project has begun as a pilot action in Xábia, which has had actions in different areas. Training has been carried out for professional agents linked to the sea and teachers in the field of marine conservation.

Conservation work has been carried out through the release of 4 specimens of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and 23 catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), all of them recovered at the facilities of the Oceanogràfic Foundation.

On the other hand, to minimise impacts on the marine environment, beaches have been cleaned and lead containers have been installed in diving centres for subsequent collection and recycling. Studies have also been carried out to improve ecosystem knowledge and marine biodiversity, supported by bionomic cartography of the area. In order to raise awareness among the population, participatory days have been held in the municipality.